The Liebster Award

     I would like to thank Auntie Em http://quiltcrossing.blogspot.com/ for nominating me for the Liebster Award!  "Liebster" means "favorite" in German.  This award is given to recognize your favorite blogs with less than 200 followers, so that they may be discovered by new readers.  When one receives the award, they are supposed to do the following:  
1.  Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to their blog.
2.  Copy and paste the award to your blog.
3.  Present the Liebster award to 5 other blogs that you think deserve recognition.
4.  Let me know by leaving a comment on their blog.
5.  Have faith that your nominees will continue to spread the love.

I would like to present the Liebster award to:
http://myquiltdiary.blogspot.com/  Julie writes from Japan.

http://kalahariquilts.blogspot.com/ Jenny writes from Botswana.

http://restisnotidleness.blogspot.com/ Pip writes from Australia.

http://www.quiltmonstercloset.com/ Christine writes from the U.S.

http://moonquilts.blogspot.com/  Sharon writes from the U.S. 

Hearth and Home Quilt Block

     I found the pattern for this 10" Hearth and Home block on-line at:   http://www.quilterscache.com/H/HearthandHomeBlock.html.   
     In these diary entries, Hattie writes about preparations to celebrate her 21st birthday.  Ruth and Mary are two of her older sisters living in Washington state.  Mary has just had an operation.  George is one of her younger brothers.  Frank is the man she is dating, and Fannie and Betty are his sisters.  Fern is a friend from high school days in Emporia, Kansas.  Rags is a horse!

Friday, September 29, 1916 -
"I crawled out of bed last night when Papa got home and nearly froze reading Ruth's letter.  It wasn't very warm all night.  But Ruth said Mary was getting along just fine.

"We had a heavy frost last night, and it has been real cold today, especially in the house.  We had it all open, sweeping.  But this afternoon, I washed my hair, and it was nice and warm on the south porch steps in the sun.

"Mother says she is going to have the lame turkey killed for me, and I'll celebrate on Sunday when Fern is here.  She also wants me to have Frank and Betty and Fannie over.  George brought up a watermelon this afternoon and is saving it for the occasion. 

"I have been prosaicly darning socks this evening down by the living room fire.  But it was real comfy.  Now I'm going to put on my bed slippers and see if I can keep warm tonight.  But they won't keep my nose warm."

Saturday, September 30, 1916 -  
"Fern didn't come, and I am terribly disappointed.  We had planned and fixed, and I had counted so on her coming that I felt just down-hearted when I met the train and no Fern.  Then I went to the post office and found a letter from her - the same old story - they are always too busy in school!

"But I have asked Fannie and Frank and Betty over for dinner tomorrow, so maybe we shall have some help in eating the turkey.  Mother did make two cakes, pumpkin and cranberry pies, a big kettle of dried apple jam, and bread and beans beside Grace fixing the turkey. 

"It has been a glorious day although quite cool.  I drove Rags to town today and enjoyed it.  Saw Alpha for the first time in weeks.

"I have been sitting out in front of the living room fire half asleep.  Papa just got home, so I'm going to bed."

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post: 
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/04/hairpin-catcher-quilt-block.html

Hairpin Catcher Quilt Block



     I was really delighted to find this 8" block by the name of Hairpin Catcher in the book 5,500 Quilt Block Designs by Magie Malone.  Who knew there was a quilt block with this name!    
     In these diary entries, the family is waiting to hear news about Mary, one of Hattie's older sisters living in Washington state, who has recently had surgery.  Hattie also remembers her Mamma's birthday on the 26th.  Alberta Emily Young Woodbury, Hattie's Mamma, died over three years ago at the age of 46. 
          
Monday, September 25, 1916 -
"I am writing this entry on Tuesday because I was so sick last night, Mother made me pile right into bed about 8:30.  I had felt sort of bum all afternoon and evening but lay around most of the time and sewed a little and helped with supper some.  But just as I came up stairs, I got so sick at my stomach that Mother gave me some brandy and put me to bed."

Tuesday, September 26, 1916 -
"I didn't get up this morning until breakfast was all over and the children had gone to school.  Grace was washing, but I didn't help with it any.  I felt sort of weak all morning, but my wisdom tooth was hurting me so I decided to go to town with Grace this afternoon and make a call on Dr. Jones.  He treated it and found another cavity to fill.  

"It surely has been windy today.  It was all I could do to hold my dress down in town, but luckily there were not many onlookers - dead as ever, if not more so.  I couldn't even find any of my kind of hairpins in town and had to get some dark ones.  

"We are anxious to get more word from Mary and probably will tomorrow.  This is Dear Mamma's birthday.  And just to think that she would have only been fifty years old!"  

Thursday, September 28, 1916 -
"It is quite chilly tonight and so clear that we are sure to have frost.  It has been really cool all day, but I kept sufficiently warm this morning as I made a couple of lemon pies for dinner and was in the kitchen most of the morning.  

"Papa went to Emporia today - Jesse Lovell played the part of jitney driver.  Then this afternoon, Mother and I went to town.  We went up to see Minerva a little while.  Then Mother went to the train; I stopped to see Mrs. McCauley about a League social.

"I wrote Fern Pyle today to come and spend the week-end with me.  I hope she can and that we shall have nice weather.  I received my invitation to the Jones-Traylor wedding today.  Now the next thing is some new clothes for the occasion.

"Papa has gone to town looking for word from Mary.  It is almost ten, but he  hasn't come yet.  I hope we learn good news from them soon."  

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
 http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/04/marys-squares-quilt-block.html

Mary's Squares Quilt Block

      I found this 8" Mary's Squares Quilt Block in 5,500 Quilt Block Designs by Maggie Malone. 
     In these diary entries, Hattie attends a bridal shower for Ruth Jones on Friday.  On Saturday, Colonel and Mrs. Whitley visit the family.  (When Hattie's Papa was 19, he came to Kansas from Boston and worked for Colonel Whitley for 2-1/2 years.  Part of his pay included ten yearling heifers and their increase, which helped him to establish his own herd.)

Friday, September 22, 1916 -
"I just got home from the shower.  I certainly had a lovely time and oh! I'm going to be invited to the wedding.  I'm sure tickled!

"After a busy morning of cleaning and Papa in bed with an awfully swollen face and toothache, I was afraid I might have to stay home to drive the car up to meet the motor.  But Papa got up in the afternoon, and I suppose he did.  The folks have all retired.  I am wondering if they didn't have enough lights; Schuyler came up to work on the plant but wasn't having much luck when I left.

"Frank borrowed D.P.'s car for the occasion and arrived a little after three.  Then we went out and met Fannie on the new road and took her with us.

"Mrs. Walter Jones certainly is lovely.  I think there were about twenty present, and we had splendid eats, Victrola music, the shower, and an impromptu program, which was so good we hated to break up the party.

"Gwilym and Anne brought us home.  It was chilly but surely a fine ride!"

Saturday, September 23, 1916 -
"This hasn't seemed like Saturday, as we haven't done anything but entertain our guests, but I think that is about as strenuous as cleaning.  I worked a good share of the morning baking four pies and helping with dinner.  The Colonel and Mrs. Whitley arrived about 10:00.  Mrs. Whitley is a very odd, gruff speaking woman but seemed to enjoy thoroughly her visit.  She said she hasn't been away from Emporia for five years.  She and the colonel both seemed to enjoy their meals so.  I suppose they like a change from hotel fare once in a while.  But I'll admit we did have good eats." 

Sunday, September 24, 1916 -
"I got in quite early tonight - before ten o'clock.  And we were in the buggy, too.  But Mr. Huchins is ill, so we had no preaching tonight - nor this morning either.  Uncle Jimmy is ill, too, and Mrs. McGregor, so Sunday School didn't seem natural at all this morning.  Mrs. Phinney had me give the Quarterly Review before the school. 

"Papa received a telegram from Lester this morning, saying that (sister) Mary had had the operation and was getting along all right.  I don't know when Papa will decide to go.  But I am glad it is over with, and I do hope Mary will be much better for it and will get along nicely."

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/04/farmers-daughter-quilt-mosaic-100.html

Farmer's Daughter Quilt Mosaic - 100 Blocks

      I have now completed 100 blocks of my Farmer's Daughter Quilt.  Since last summer, I have been making appropriately-named quilt blocks to accompany my grandmother's 1916 diary entries, written the year she turned 21. 

     1916 was an important year in my grandmother's life.  As a Kansas farmer's daughter, she perfected her homemaking skills, learned to drive a car, wrote every day in her diary (over 400 pages in all), and began dating her future husband.  The next year, on October 24, 1917, she would become a farmer's wife. 

     Since there will be 140 blocks in the completed quilt, I have 40 more blocks to make.  My blocks range from 6" to 12" square, so my quilt will not look like this when finished.  Still, it's fun to see all of the blocks together!

     My grandmother loved to write and kept a diary nearly all of her life.  To write in her diary was the last task of each day.  When she passed away in 1986 at the age of 91, her diaries were distributed among her children and grandchildren.  The earliest diary I have of hers is from 1912, written when she was a junior in high school.  The last one is from 1979, the year she turned 84.  She wanted very much to attend college - to study to become a teacher and a writer.  I think she would be pleased to know that people in 103 countries have read her diary entries and have learned something of her life. 

You might also enjoy reading the introduction to my project:

http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/08/farmers-daughter-quilt-introduction.html

Brotherly Love Quilt Block

      I found this 10" Brotherly Love block in Judy Martin's Ultimate Book of Quilt Block Patterns.  It was hard to photograph the block and not make the outer stripes look crooked.  I think the block will look fine in the finished quilt.
     In these diary entries, Howard, Hattie's brother, is off to Manhattan, Kansas to attend college.  It is very difficult for Hattie that she is not going to get to attend college as well.  Ted and George are her younger brothers, and Mary and Ruth are two of her older sisters living in Washington state.  Grace is a hired girl.  Frank is the man she's been dating this summer, who will eventually become her husband. 
     "The Kansas City Stockyards were built to provide better prices for livestock owners.  Previously, livestock owners west of Kansas City could only sell at whatever price the railroad offered. With the Kansas City Livestock Exchange and the Stockyards, cattle were sold to the highest bidder." 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kansas_City_Stockyards

Monday, September 18, 1916 -
"Howard left about 9:30 this A.M.  Mother and Papa took him to Osage.  I sure hate to see him go, I could hardly stand it to tell him good bye and have him go without me.  He felt bad about it, too.

"It was a lovely day, and as I was feeling so blue, Mother advised me to get out for a horseback ride.  Grace saddled Luke for me, and I went to town, got the mail, and chatted with Mrs. Clayton a few minutes.  Just as I was untying Luke, Frank rode up behind me and said he was on his way to Sweezys but would ride out this way with me if I was going home.  I'm afraid the meeting appeared rather 'premeditated' to some of the villagers, but nevertheless we had a nice ride together." 

Tuesday, September 19, 1916 -
"I have been writing a letter to Fern and looking over old letters for two hours.  It is now almost nine.  Papa took hogs to Kansas City tonight, and Ted and George went up with him to town but haven't come back yet. 

"I received an invitation from Miss Weesner and Mrs. Walter Jones to a shower for Ruth Jones Friday afternoon.  I told Papa to find me some little gift in Kansas City for Ruth."

Thursday, September 21, 1916 -
"Can't write but a scratch as the lights are terribly dim.  Papa arrived from Kansas City, and for about an hour we have been lunching, talking, etc.  He brought a nice piece of delft blue china for me to take to Ruth's shower tomorrow.  I got a letter from (sister) Ruth saying Mary was feeling better and would not have the operation until after October 1.  Papa may not go out for a few days.  

"Frank surprised me this evening by appearing just as I was in the act of getting supper.  He stopped on his way from Lyndon, brought me a nice box of Roger's, and said he would see I got to the shower tomorrow if I wanted to go.  He only stayed a few moments, phoned to Fannie, and was off." 

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/04/court-house-lawn-quilt-block.html

Court House Lawn Quilt Block

      I found the pattern for this 9" Court House Lawn block in the book 5,500 Quilt Block Designs by Maggie Malone. 

     In these diary entries, Howard is Hattie's brother, just two years younger than she is.  He is leaving for Manhattan to go to college.  Hattie is really struggling because she is not going to get to go to college as well.  Mary and Ruth are two of her older sisters who live in Washington state along with sister Eva.  Anna is her younger sister, and Grace is a hired girl who lives with them.  Hattie has been dating Frank this summer (and will later marry him).  Russ is one of Frank's brothers.
     
Friday, September 15, 1916 -
"My, I'm tired tonight, and cold.  It was lovely this afternoon when Papa, Howard, and I went to Lyndon, and it is still nice but quite chilly.  I went in to see Aunt Laura, and we shopped and rode around while Papa was attending a political meeting.  Then Mr. Hobbs urged us to stay at his house for supper and attend the open-air concert.  So Papa consented.  We enjoyed the concert even though it was chilly.

"We are all terribly worried about Mary - and disappointed.  Had a letter from Ruth this morning saying that Mary's doctor advised an immediate operation, and, of course, she can't come home this winter.  Papa thinks he will go out soon."

Saturday, September 16, 1916 -
"Howard just now came home from town, didn't bring me any mail but said he saw Frank.  That worthy gentleman phoned this morning that he had broken an axle and was going to Emporia by train.  He told Howard tonight that he'd have to work Russ into letting him borrow his buggy tomorrow.  That sure would be funny!" 

Sunday, September 17, 1916 -
"After trying the front, side, and back doors in a vain attempt to get in, I managed to gain an entrance through the basement and found my way upstairs.  I rather enjoyed our buggy ride this evening - for a change - but I'll admit it did look queer to see Frank driving in with May and the buggy.  He phoned this morning and told me that he wouldn't be out to Sunday school but said he would lead League tonight for me.

"After dinner, Anna and Grace cracked some nuts, and I made some fudge for Howard to take with him.  It wasn't hard before supper so none was eaten.  I guess I'll have enough to fill a box for him, although I promised Anna ten pieces.  Oh!  I sure hate to see Howard go tomorrow.  The minister talked about zeal, goodness knows I need some of that or perhaps speaking more slangily, I might say just plain pep." 

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:

http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/04/kansas-star-quilt-block.html

Kansas Star Quilt Block

     
     I found the pattern for this 12" Kansas Star block in the book Kansas Spirit: 15 Historical Quilt Blocks & the Saga of the Sunflower State by Jeanne Poore.  My cousin George Pasley's writing is featured on page 7 of this book.  
     In these diary entries, Papa, Ted, George, and Hattie attend the Topeka State Fair.  Note that seeing acres of cars "was a sight in itself."  

Wednesday, September 13, 1916 -
"I should be in bed as it is almost 10 o'clock, and Papa says we ought to start by 6 A.M.  We have made sudden plans to take in the Topeka Fair.  Papa suddenly decided this noon to go, and Ted, George, and I soon fell in.  I'm not very crazy about the fair but think it will be a nice ride."

Thursday, September 14, 1916 -
"This has seemed like a mighty long day, up at 5:00 and have been to Topeka and back and tramped around those Fair grounds.  It is now about eleven, and as I'm dead tired will leave the rest until I am rested.

"We left home soon after six o'clock, and it began to look so cloudy and grew so cold that we hardly knew whether to keep on or not; but by the time we left Osage City, the sun was shining.  Although we reached Osage at 7 o'clock, there were so many cars ahead of us at the garage that we didn't leave there until 8:30.  Papa didn't drive very fast; every car on the road passed us, but we got to Topeka and had our car parked by eleven o'clock.  I did enjoy the ride.  It was cool enough for George and me to huddle close together with plenty of robes, sweaters, etc. and yet it was bright and pleasant.  Of course, we had a splendid appetite for the nice lunch Mother had packed.  We ate so early that the afternoon seemed terribly long, yet I didn't get tired looking at the exhibits.  Everything was good - the cattle, horses, and the hogs - were immense!  I just kept seeing so many people I knew.  There were a great many people there from this county.  And just acres of cars, that was a sight in itself.

"I should have liked to stay for the horse show, and we did plan on it.  But Papa was tired and was rather afraid to drive the car among so many at night.  We started back before six.  We came along at a pretty good clip until after coming through Scranton.  Then it was getting dark, and Papa became rather nervous and wouldn't let me drive but just a little way.  We couldn't see the signs very well and so passed our corner and came home through Burlingame but found a better road.  We reached Osage about 9:00 and stopped there for a lunch and then drove on home.  The kids piled in the back seat and slept part of the time, but I sat up front and pointed out the road to Papa." 

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/04/morning-quilt-block.html

Morning Quilt Block

      I found the pattern for this 6" Morning quilt block in The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Herd, but I redid the pattern to reduce the number of pieces. 
     In these diary entries, Mr. Taylor is a friend and week-end guest of Hattie's brother, Howard.  Ted, Anna, and George are Hattie's other younger siblings.  Frank is the man she's been dating since June (who will later become her husband and my grandfather).  Ruth, Wayne, Stub, and Fern are friends.  
     The "League" Hattie refers to is the Epworth League, a Methodist young adult association.  The "Normal" is Kansas State Normal School, a teacher's college in Emporia, Kansas.  More information on The Story of a Wedding Ring by Bertha M. Clay can be found at: http://chnm.gmu.edu/dimenovels/intro.html

Sunday, September 10, 1916 -
"I am so tired, I am not going to write much.  I was up before six o'clock this morning to see Mr. Taylor off and get him a bite of breakfast, and the clock just now struck eleven.

"Frank came over soon after five, and about six we started for Lebo, going west and up near Arvonia.  I was driving, and we sure got into some awful roads before we turned south.  But the ride was lovely after that and the moonlight perfect.  We reached there in time for League and also stayed for church.  I certainly enjoyed the good music and singing.  Ruth and Wayne went with us to get 'a cold one' afterward.

"Howard, Ted, Anna, and I went to church this morning.  George wouldn't brave it on account of his bee-stung eye."

Monday, September 11, 1916 -
"Of course, it rained today - since it was the opening day for the Topeka Fair, the Normal, and many other schools, Alpine included.  But it treated us very nicely - the sun came out when we were ready to hang out the clothes and stayed out until after four when we had them in the house.  But the children were caught in the rain coming home from school.  

"I want to get to bed early.  It is just nine, but I have finished The Story of a Wedding Ring by Bertha M. Clay, so with few more adieus shall retire.

"Oh dear, I believe I am lonesome.  I don't know what else to call it, but something is the matter, and what will it be when Howard is gone ? - !"

Tuesday, September 12, 1916 -
"I don't know what's going to happen to me if I don't find something more worthwhile to do.  I don't have any energy at all, feel so sort of restless, and I'm getting so I fairly hate housework.  It makes me just heartsick, too, to read of all the schools opening and the students and teachers beginning work.  I don't see why -

"George, Howard, and I went to town tonight.  George was getting some books.  Frank was in town, and I talked with him a while.  Went over to Stub's after some crochet thread and stopped in to chat with Fern a minute.  Stub was recalling the good old days, and I admit I fell in with his mood.  We sure did have some good times two years ago - those socials!"

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/04/mystery-block-quilt-block.html

Mystery Block Quilt Block

     I found the pattern for this 6" Mystery Block in 5,500 Quilt Block Designs by Maggie Malone.  A 12" version with the same shapes but different color placement can be found at  http://www.quilterscache.com/M/MysteryBlock.html.
    In these diary entries, Anna is Hattie's 12-year-old sister, and Howard is her 19-year-old brother.  Mr. Taylor is Howard's friend who's visiting for the week-end.
    
Thursday, September 7, 1916 -
"I haven't done a blessed thing, outside of helping with the dishes and supper, but crochet and sleep today.  But, thanks to my persistence, my yoke is finished!  (I mean a little crocheted yoke I have been working on since before Easter.)  It has rained all day - a splendid rain - but cleared off this evening and is beautiful out now at 11:30.  Since it was such a lazy day, we sat around and crocheted, but this afternoon even that made me tired so I thought I'd lie down for a few minutes.  I slept from about 2:00 until 4:30 when Anna called me.  I had thought I'd go to bed early, but after such a nap I wasn't sleepy so sat up until Howard and Mr. Taylor came.  The train was late, and they didn't get out here until after ten o'clock.  I read Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and was feeling just a little creepy and was glad when the boys arrived to break the stillness.  Everyone else had retired. 

"Mother and Anna didn't go to Emporia on account of the rain.

"Well, I must turn in - it is 'most midnight.  No beauty sleep for me!"

Friday, September 8, 1916 -
"I am so dead for sleep I can hardly write.  It is just a little after ten, but I didn't nap any today and am feeling the need of a little slumber.  And worse still, Mr. Taylor and I went for a horseback ride, and since I haven't ridden for a long time, it made me feel very tired and stiff.  We went to town and then back around by the east road.

"It was very foggy this morning, but the sun shone out after a while and was a little hot this afternoon.  It is beautiful out tonight."

"We have been downstairs inspecting films, Kodak pictures, and 'acting up' in general until I'm weary.  Mr. Taylor says he will help me finish some pictures."

Saturday, September 9, 1916 -
"It is after 11:00 o'clock.  Mr. Taylor and I have been printing pictures, and he is leaving on the 7:10 tomorrow morning.

"Mother and Anna went to Emporia today and had a nice trip.  Mother brought me some nice materials for my tatting nightgown, candy, salted peanuts, etc.  I kept house and was quite satisfied over the dinner I prepared - baked potatoes, steak and gravy, slaw, sliced tomatoes, warm apple pie, bread and butter, coffee, milk, etc."

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/04/aloha-quilt-block.html

Aloha Quilt Block

      I found the pattern for this 10" Aloha quilt block in Judy Martin's Ultimate Book of Quilt Block Patterns.
     In these diary entries, my grandmother Hattie is 20 years old.  She has begun dating Frank (age 27) this summer and will later marry him.  Howard, Ted, and Anna are Hattie's younger siblings.  Lesta is a good high school friend from Emporia. 
     The Chautauqua Movement - traveling shows and local assemblies that flourished in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries - provided popular education combined with entertainment in the form of lectures, concerts, and plays, and were modeled after activities at the Chautauqua Institution of western New York (Merriam-Webster On-Line Dictionary). 
    
Monday, September 4, 1916 -
"Frank is shipping tonight.  Papa sent some stock along, and he has called several times and was coming out once, but I couldn't find Papa so he didn't bother."

Tuesday, September 5, 1916 -
"If something doesn't happen to cheer me up pretty soon, I'll turn blue entirely.  Surely there is something brighter in store for me if only I have the faith to look for it.  But oh!  It's so discouraging!

"I ironed pretty steadily all morning except for about 15 minutes Mother and I took off to have a sandwich and cup of cocoa and chat in the den.  But I didn't do much this afternoon - read and wrote and crocheted and helped with supper.  I am back to my old job of helping Ted with his lessons - Geometry it is now.  Nothing very exciting.  I'll go to bed."

Wednesday, September 6, 1916 -
"It lacks but a few minutes of midnight, so I'll write just a scratch.  Frank and I have been to Lyndon to hear the Hawaiians.  They were splendid, and the Chautauqua tent was well filled.  There were six men and one girl, and each was a 'star.'  They played guitars by hand and with steel, flute, violin, piano, and other small stringed instruments, and then they sang some folk songs and some popular, catchy ones.  The girl, her mother and father (we supposed) were in the drug store with us afterward - rather, the drug store that we were in.

"Frank gave me a lovely box of Allegretti's tonight, which he brought from Kansas City.  I certainly enjoyed the ride as it is moonlight and still out now after being hot and very windy all day.  But the clutch isn't working very well, so I didn't drive the car any.

"I wrote a letter to Lesta today - oh, I just hate to tell the girls that I'm not going to school, but it seems some things are necessary, though unpleasant.

"Mother and Anna are planning on going to Emporia tomorrow, and Howard received a card from his friend Taylor that he will arrive for a visit tomorrow night.  We are not planning a party, however."

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/04/jobs-tears-quilt-block.html 

Job's Tears Quilt Block

     I found the pattern for this 12" Job's Tears block free on-line at:
http://www.patternsfromhistory.com/bible_quilt/bible_tears.htm
     In these diary entries, Hattie has found out that she won't be able to go to college like she has planned to do for so long.  Hattie is 20 years old and a 1914 graduate of Emporia High School.  Howard is her 18-year old brother, and Frank is the man she has been dating this summer (who will become her husband and my grandfather).  The Normal that Hattie refers to is Kansas State Normal School in nearby Emporia - one of many Normal schools across the nation that are dedicated to the education of teachers.

Friday, September 1, 1916 -
"I have been in a rather tearful state of mind this evening.  Papa says he doesn't see hardly how he can afford to send me to school this fall.  I know it has been a hard year, but it seems like it is always something.  If I don't go this year, I'll never want to go, and I'm determined I'm going to do something.  I haven't given up hope by any means for I thought afterwards and discussed it with Mother, that maybe he'd let me go to the Normal.  I think I can get what I want about as well there, and I would be much closer to home and not so expensive.  Mother has just been in, and she told me not to worry, and somehow I have a feeling that it can be arranged.  Papa really wants me to do something, and yet he wants it to be worthwhile and, of course, I know it takes money.  I was very disappointed at first when we talked about it right after supper, but I cheered up and thought it over and I'll pray and sleep over it, and I believe it will come out all right."

Saturday, September 2, 1916 -
"The bugs seem to be holding an 'insect festival' here in my room and especially around the light.  I'll have to hurry and put it out.

"I am just crazy to go to school, and it seems like that is all I can get my mind on.  Mother is talking it over with Papa, trying to get him to consent at least to my going to the Normal.  He wants me to go and yet I know how it is a strain on him to keep all this family and farm going and prices of everything soaring like mad.  But I don't think this would be a waste - anyhow I am still hoping and trusting.

Sunday, September 3, 1916 -
"It seems as though it's no use hoping and trusting anymore.  Papa doesn't see his way clear to send me even to the Normal, and I am so disappointed that I have spent most of the day in tears.  Hot, bitter ones, too, and my head aches like fury.  It seems like a very unfair world - I can't bear to think of another winter spent in comparative idleness - surely the Lord has something better in store for me.  Mother, Howard, the children, and I went to church this morning, but I couldn't get my thoughts changed there even.  The sermon was about looking forward, having ambitions, hopes for the future, etc. - a precious lot of good it does to have ambitions!  

"This afternoon . . . I went for a little walk.  Generally, I come back from these strolls feeling at least fifty percent better, but today I returned feeling that much worse.  Even my Nook in the Willows brought no comfort.  But no motorcycle was speeding over the bridge today - not even anyone on foot!  It surely was one deserted spot around the bridge.  I inspected all the initials and finally climbed a tree and found two partly red apples to eat as I came back.     

"When I came in, the whole family hastened to tell me that Frank had phoned during my absence, and Mother insisted on my calling him but to this I flatly refused.  He soon called again, and I told him, "All right."

"Mr. and Mrs. Topping - friends of the Hauchin's - sang at church both this morning and evening.  There was an unusually large crowd out tonight, and the sermon was fine - but a great deal on the same trend as this morning.

"Since Frank asked me, I told him that I wasn't going to get to go to school.  It was hard, and yet I had to do it - Oh dear!"

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/03/baseball-star-quilt-block.html